The following is a release from King County Elections:

King County Elections celebrates the Governor Jay Inslee’s signing of House Bill (HB) 1919 today.

“We’re excited about this bill that improves elections administration by providing the lead time needed to prepare for primary elections,” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections Director.

HB1919 will shorten the certification time for spring elections from 14 days to 10 days, and will eliminate the overlap with candidate filing week. This will provide more time for critical elections administration activities, including:

• updating the voter registration database before candidate filing week
• allowing time for voters’ pamphlet preparation
• preparing and delivering voters’ pamphlets to military and overseas voters

HB1919 was sponsored by Rep. Sam Hunt (D-22) at Thurston and Pierce counties’ request. The bill later included critical elements from a King County Elections bill sponsored by Rep. Steve Bergquist (D-11). Supporters include the Washington State Association of County Auditors (WSACA), the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington Association of School Administrators, and the Washington State School Directors Association.

The bill will be effective in time for the 2016 spring elections.